Everything you need to know about the world this morning, curated by bFM and VICE NZ.UN Calls for Independent Inquiry into Historic State Care Abuse
The Government has announced it will not stage an independent inquiry into the abuse of those with disabilities in state care between 1950 to 1990. This follows the release of a report by the United Nations calling for a formal government apology, independent inquiry, reparations and rehabilitation for victims of state care abuse. Prime Minister Bill English says the Government already has systems in place to deal with the grievances, and has invited UN Committee Members to see the progress being made. The Report was welcomed by Race Relations Commissioner Susan Devoy, who says those responsible for abuse must be held accountable.Westside Criticised for Driving Students Away from West Auckland Schools
New Zealand On Air (NZOA) has defended the show Westside, after principals complained it was causing an exodus of students from West Auckland schools. Five principals released a statement which said over 4,000 students bypass local West Auckland schools every day to attend institutions in other areas of the city. Principal of Kelston Girls' College Linda Fox says the fictional West family and their criminal behaviours are to blame for the figures. However, NZOA spokesperson Allanah Kalafatelis defended the show, and says its contents "shouldn't be taken too seriously." Westside is New Zealand's fourth most popular locally-funded television programme, attracting 205,900 viewers nationwide last week.TPP11 Pledge to Remove Drug Data ProtectionRepresentatives from the remaining 11 countries in the Trans-Pacific Partnership met in Sydney earlier this week to revise the controversial international trade deal, now that the US has left the agreement. Officials agreed to suspend rules that favoured US pharmaceutical companies, such as a clause on data exclusivity, which would prevent competing versions of new medicines from coming into the market for a window of time. This comes after leading national and international health organisations sent an open letter to Ministers of Health and Trade, urging them to completely renegotiate the agreement and to undertake a health impact assessment before they proceed.Winston Peters Superannuation Scandal
Political commentator David Slack has a theory about the latest Winston Peters superannuation saga. Earlier this week, Winston Peters admitted he'd been overpaid superannuation after it was leaked to media that he hadn't accurately declared his relationship status. David Slack told 95bFM breakfast this morning that he thinks leaking the information could have been a strategic move made by National in order to deflect attention from popular Labour party leader, Jacinda Ardern. Slack says, "if anything has screwed them up [media-wise], it's the Jacinda-effect". The first leader's debate will be underway tonight on TV 1 at 7pm.North Korea Threatens More Unrest in the Pacific
North Korea warned that Tuesday's ballistic missile launch over northern Japan was only a "first step" in further action it plans to take in the region. According to state broadcaster KCNA, leader Kim Jong-un also said the launch was a "meaningful prelude to containing Guam," the US island territory. The UN Security Council called the firing of the missile over Japan "outrageous." And in an official White House statement, President Trump said, "All options are on the table."At Least 1,200 People Killed in South Asian Floods
The severe flooding in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh during this year's summer monsoon season has left at least 1,200 people dead. The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies estimated that almost 700,000 homes have been hit by flooding in Bangladesh alone.Iranian President Slams Saudi 'Support' for Terrorists
Iranian president Hassan Rouhani condemned Saudi Arabia's military actions in Yemen, claiming the Saudis have offered "support" to terrorists in the war-torn country. "Saudi Arabia should stop backing terrorists," he told Iranian state television. The Saudis have been leading the fight in Yemen against the Houthis, a Shia militant group, since 2015.About 18,000 Rohingya Escape Violence in Myanmar
More than 18,000 Rohingya Muslims have left Myanmar for Bangladesh in the past five days, according to the International Organisation for Migration. After Rohingya militants attacked security checkpoints in Myanmar Friday, reports surfaced that the country's authorities were brutally targeting the minority group.Reporting by Ximena Smith, Katie Doyle, Leah Garcia-Purves
LOCAL NEWS
The Government has announced it will not stage an independent inquiry into the abuse of those with disabilities in state care between 1950 to 1990. This follows the release of a report by the United Nations calling for a formal government apology, independent inquiry, reparations and rehabilitation for victims of state care abuse. Prime Minister Bill English says the Government already has systems in place to deal with the grievances, and has invited UN Committee Members to see the progress being made. The Report was welcomed by Race Relations Commissioner Susan Devoy, who says those responsible for abuse must be held accountable.Westside Criticised for Driving Students Away from West Auckland Schools
New Zealand On Air (NZOA) has defended the show Westside, after principals complained it was causing an exodus of students from West Auckland schools. Five principals released a statement which said over 4,000 students bypass local West Auckland schools every day to attend institutions in other areas of the city. Principal of Kelston Girls' College Linda Fox says the fictional West family and their criminal behaviours are to blame for the figures. However, NZOA spokesperson Allanah Kalafatelis defended the show, and says its contents "shouldn't be taken too seriously." Westside is New Zealand's fourth most popular locally-funded television programme, attracting 205,900 viewers nationwide last week.
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Political commentator David Slack has a theory about the latest Winston Peters superannuation saga. Earlier this week, Winston Peters admitted he'd been overpaid superannuation after it was leaked to media that he hadn't accurately declared his relationship status. David Slack told 95bFM breakfast this morning that he thinks leaking the information could have been a strategic move made by National in order to deflect attention from popular Labour party leader, Jacinda Ardern. Slack says, "if anything has screwed them up [media-wise], it's the Jacinda-effect". The first leader's debate will be underway tonight on TV 1 at 7pm.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
North Korea warned that Tuesday's ballistic missile launch over northern Japan was only a "first step" in further action it plans to take in the region. According to state broadcaster KCNA, leader Kim Jong-un also said the launch was a "meaningful prelude to containing Guam," the US island territory. The UN Security Council called the firing of the missile over Japan "outrageous." And in an official White House statement, President Trump said, "All options are on the table."At Least 1,200 People Killed in South Asian Floods
The severe flooding in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh during this year's summer monsoon season has left at least 1,200 people dead. The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies estimated that almost 700,000 homes have been hit by flooding in Bangladesh alone.Iranian President Slams Saudi 'Support' for Terrorists
Iranian president Hassan Rouhani condemned Saudi Arabia's military actions in Yemen, claiming the Saudis have offered "support" to terrorists in the war-torn country. "Saudi Arabia should stop backing terrorists," he told Iranian state television. The Saudis have been leading the fight in Yemen against the Houthis, a Shia militant group, since 2015.About 18,000 Rohingya Escape Violence in Myanmar
More than 18,000 Rohingya Muslims have left Myanmar for Bangladesh in the past five days, according to the International Organisation for Migration. After Rohingya militants attacked security checkpoints in Myanmar Friday, reports surfaced that the country's authorities were brutally targeting the minority group.Reporting by Ximena Smith, Katie Doyle, Leah Garcia-Purves